Kenyan Drake: How many different ways will offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin try to put the ball in Drake’s hands? He’s the most explosive player on Alabama’s offense, can line up at receiver and is a change-of-pace back. Plus Alabama has him returning kickoffs. If he gets a shot to return one today, Drake is capable of changing the game’s momentum in a hurry.

Projected performance: B. He’s back full strength from the season-ending leg injury of a year ago, but Drake has had hamstring issues in camp. So it may take him a minute to find a rhythm, but if he’s does, Drake could have an eruption of big plays against Wisconsin. Derrick Henry is the featured back, but Drake can take Alabama’s offense to another level — if he stays healthy.

Offensive guards: On Monday’s depth chart, Alabama had redshirt freshman Ross Pierschbacher starting at left guard and juniors Alphonse Taylor and sophomore Bradley Bozeman as co-starters at right guard. Pierschbacher is surrounded by good company in All-America candidate Cam Robinson and senior center Ryan Kelly. Bozeman and Taylor started twice last season. I expect both will play today.

Projected performance: C-plus. Pierschbacher will make a couple of “wow” plays, but he will also have one or two breakdowns to cost Alabama yards. Can Bozeman or Taylor establish himself as the man at right guard? The key for all three is in pass situations, can they handle blitzes up the gut. That’s the best way to disrupt an inexperienced quarterback. The guards have to stand tall in those situations.

O.J. Howard: The former Autauga Academy star says it’s his time. I’ve got to see it to believe it. The 6-foot-6, 242-pound junior tight is very talented, but hasn’t lived up to being a five-star recruit. He could be that security blanket for the quarterback. He’s too fast for linebackers and too big for defensive backs. Howard is fascinating on paper, but will he ever consistently play like it?

Projected performance: B. Howard plays a position that’s never been featured in Alabama’s offense under Nick Saban. So whenever the ball comes his way, which may be very little today because of the quarterback’s inexperience, Howard must make the most of his opportunities. I want to see if he sets a physical tone with his blocking. It’s been a glaring weakness in his game.

Calvin Ridley: This freshman receiver jumps off the board in practice. Fast. Quick. Explodes out of cuts. He’ll develop into that go-to guy. You can’t teach his skill set. Plus Ridley is already 20 years old. Remember his senior year at Monarch High was cut short because of age restrictions in Florida. Needs to add a little weight, but the 6-foot-1, 188-pound Ridley has as Kiffin has said, “elite talent.”

Projected performance: B-minus. Depends on how much action he gets today. Alabama has talented, but unproven receivers. Senior Chris Black came to Alabama rated higher than Amari Cooper, but hasn’t lived up to the billing. Robert Foster, Cam Sims and ArDarius Stewart are solid, but Ridley might give Alabama more than just a glimpse of what’s to come. His future could start right now.